Merck to Lay Off 150 Employees Amid Vaccine Sales Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
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Should l Buy MRK?
Source: Newsfilter
- Layoff Announcement: Merck plans to lay off approximately 150 employees at its North Carolina facility producing the HPV vaccine Gardasil, reflecting a reassessment of its vaccine business, with layoffs effective in May potentially impacting overall operational efficiency.
- Sales Decline: Gardasil's global sales plummeted by 39% in 2025 after the company halted shipments to China last year due to weak demand, directly pressuring Merck's revenue, especially following its primary growth driver, Keytruda.
- Immunization Policy Change: The U.S. recently overhauled its childhood immunization schedule to recommend a single dose of the HPV vaccine instead of the previously approved two or three doses, which may further affect Gardasil's market demand and sales outlook.
- Management Assessment: Merck's management indicated that Gardasil is no longer a key growth driver for the company, suggesting a strategic shift to ensure reliable supply of its medicines and vaccines, which could impact future R&D and market positioning.
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Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to fall
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 121.410
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 121.410
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
About MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. Its Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers. It sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all livestock and companion animal species. Its products include KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use; WELIREG (belzutifan) tablets, for oral use; Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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